Charizard appears as one of the Pokémon used by the Pokémon Trainer, who remains in the background of a stage while Charizard fights. The Pokémon Trainer uses Squirtle and Ivysaur in addition to Charizard, and when Pokémon Change is used while Ivysaur is out, Charizard replaces Ivysaur in battle. If the move is used again, Squirtle replaces Charizard. Charizard, the heaviest of the three Pokémon, is the only one able to glide.

In the Subspace Emissary, Charizard is the last Pokémon that the Pokémon Trainer collects. Lucas and the trainer first see Charizard flying into a mountain, and Pokémon Trainer points out to Lucas that it is the third Pokémon he must collect. After traveling through the mountain, Pokémon Trainer and Lucas find Charizard, who attacks them. The two battle the large Pokémon, which is turned into a trophy upon its defeat. The trainer collects the trophy, and Charizard joins the party.

Like all the other playable Pokémon, Charizard can be equipped with the X Attack, X Defense, and X Speed equipment. Additionally, Charizard can use the Fake Nails equipment, making it the only fighter in the game who can use three different attack equipment sub-types.

Flamethrower has been Charizard's attack since Super Smash Bros. In the first two games, Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, Charizard uses Flamethrower when released from the Poké Ball, damaging any characters who touched it (except for the one who released Charizard). In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it is Charizard's standard Special Move. When used, Charizard will shoot fire in the direction it is facing, similar to Bowser's Fire Breath, though Charizard's attack has greater range and deals more damage. Kirby can use this move after copying Charizard's powers. He also uses Flamethrower during his down throw move.

Rock Smash is Charizard's side special move. When used, Charizard will pull out a large rock and smash it with its head, devastating any players hit by the "exploding" rock. The attack is based on the actual Pokémon attack called Rock Smash. It is a close range attack. In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, it was changed to be his down special move and replaced with Flare Blitz.

Flare Blitz is Charizard's side special move in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, replacing its down special from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. When used, Charizard flies forward, engulfed in flames, exploding as soon as it connects with an opponent. In addition to damaging the opponent, however, the move also damages Charizard whenever it is used.

Fly is the Up special move of Charizard. All that happens is that every time the attack code is pressed, Charizard flaps its wings once to fly upwards. It is also engulfed in fire to launch and burn foes above it. Like the Super Dedede Jump, it has little horizontal distance. Charizard will be put into a brief helpless state afterward if he finishes the move in the air.

Mega Evolution is Charizard's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U. When activated, Charizard will mega evolve into Mega Charizard X, where its body turns black and blue. This Final Smash operates in a similar manner as Yoshi'sSuper Dragon Final Smash, except for that Mega Charizard X can either spit out a powerful fireball, or attack opponents directly with Dragon Rush. Players can control the angle of Dragon Rush with the Circle Pad or Control Stick.

Mega Charizard X is impervious to flinching, but it can still take damage from attacks. Also, taking damage will shorten the duration of this Final Smash.

It's hard to believe, but this massive flame Pokémon evolves from the tiny Charmander. Not only can it fly at heights of over 4,500 feet, but its flaming breath is hot enough to reduce almost anything to ashes in seconds. The flames at the end of a Charizard's tail are said to be a fairly accurate barometer of its power.

A Flame Pokémon. Its fiery breath is hot enough to burn up rocks, and its wings let it fly up to 4,600 feet into the air. It's a proud Pokémon that will never use its flame breath on an opponent weaker than itself. The flame on its tail is a barometer of how much vitality it has remaining. Its signature move, Flamethrower, is a reliable technique.

Pit: Those wings might be majestic to look at, but they don't help much in the flying or gliding department.

Palutena: A little short in the flight department? That sounds like a familiar predicament.

Pit: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Viridi: Oh, Pit, denial doesn't look good on you. At least Charizard can use its wings for attacking.

Pit: And I can use my wings to fly! ...When Lady Palutena grants me the power of flight, that is.

Palutena: You know, I've always wondered if the power of flight would work anywhere besides your wings. Like your hair, for instance.

Pit: That's not funny! I'd go bald!

Palutena: But I digress. Charizard has another attack, called Flare Blitz. It's powerful but dangerous, even to Charizard. Either way, dodge the attack and keep your distance while waiting for your chance to strike back.